Bridgend Things to Do

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Coity Castle is a fabulous place to explore, it has many interesting features and lots of information boards so that you can read all about it's History.

The Castle was originally established soon after 1100 but much of the building dates from the fourteenth century and later. In the 1180's, Sir Gilbert de Turberville had control of the Lordship and Castle of Coity. During his tenure, the castle was refortified with stone. Some fragments of the original masonry have survived. Sir Gilbert's greatest contributions were the keep, the curtain wall which encloses the Inner Bailey, and the northeast tower. Now greatly ruined, Coity Castle retains several distinctly Norman features. Well-preserved portions include the eastern face, parts of the battlements, and the wall-walk which connected the three-storied keep with the curtain wall. During the 14th century, extensive alterations were again made to the castle, and the fine Middle Gate was added to offer access to the elaborate residence which sat inside the Inner Bailey. As you walk around you will see some faboulous fireplaces, window Arches in the Chapel and the remains of a circular malting kiln within the Inner Bailey.

This Castle is well worth a visit if you're in the area and best of all admission is totally FREE!!

Visiting hours are between 10am and 4pm.

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Newcastle, now in ruins but formerly holding a strategic position guarding the river crossing below overlooking what is now the bustling town of Bridgend. The original castle, first mentioned in 1106, marked the western limit of Robert Fitzhamon's conquests. It is thought to have been an earthwork castle of ringwork type. Rebuilding in stone probably took place during an unsettled phase in the 1180s, when the king himself, Henry II, held the castle. The layout and style of stonework are of this period, and the fact that it was in royal hands would explain its superior quality. The most outstanding feature which remains today is the 12th Century Norman Doorway which leads into the courtyard. Apart from refurbishments in the south tower in the late 16th century, the castle is virtually untouched since the late 12th century. In 1217 it was given to the Turbevilles, lords of Coity, who had little use for it as their main seat was nearby Coity Castle.

Admission to the Castle is free between the hours of 10am - 4pm

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The Castle controlled a ford on the river Ogmore and was probably built in the early 12c and would have been then constructed of wood. The stone castle was built probably on the site of the Old, it was later refortified by Henry II in the 1180s, as indicated by the exceptional quality of the masonry on the exterior, The castle's most outstanding feature is its complete Norman doorway with some exceptional stone work.

Entry is free and it is open between 10:00 and 16:00